The Big Vegan Banana Split

Some days or weeks are imprinted in my memory forever and this was certainly one for me. Wednesday evening I received a call from my editor. I assumed that the call was simply to talk over the logistics of my upcoming radio tour, but it was much more than that.

“Angela, we just found out that you made the NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller List!!!!”

She put me on speakerphone and the whole team was gathered in the room cheering about the exciting news. It was a moment I will never forget. I still can’t believe it!

After the call, I “casually” walked downstairs trying to keep my cool so I could surprise Eric with the news. I had a funny grin on my face (you know when you are half-smiling, but on the verge of bursting into tears?) and he knew something was up. I started to speak, but the tears just welled up in my eyes and my voice couldn’t get anything out. Typical pregnant lady, I am! Poor Eric was worried that something horrible just happened until I was finally able to tell him the news. Immediately after, I called my mom and she started to cry too which then made the pregnant lady tear up again! Oh boy. I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree…

None of this would even be remotely possible without your support. Thank you for telling others about the cookbook, sharing pictures on social media, posting reviews, and believing that vegan recipes are something to be excited about! Many of you have told me that you gifted copies to family and friends and that couldn’t be more exciting to hear as an author. I feel so inspired to keep creating and I have so many fun ideas spinning in my mind for the future.

Anyway, the NYT list will appear in the Sunday April 6th paper. I’m going to try to locate a copy somewhere in the GTA!

I couldn’t think of a better time to indulge in a pregnancy craving! As if I needed an excuse. To be honest, I’ve been all about the savoury/salty cravings lately (such as my Lightened Up Crispy Baked Fries), but when I saw Cara‘s banana split recipe I made a mental note to make one as soon as possible. I think I even had a dream about it!

We each grabbed a spoon and devoured this heavenly treat in a flash. [Strangely enough, Eric has been getting “pregnancy cravings” too. I think they are contagious…you were warned.]

The Big Vegan Banana Split

Vegan, gluten-free, no bake/raw, oil-free

By Angela Liddon

5 from 2 reviews

This vegan banana split is a lovely special dessert for two. One dish, two spoons...what could be better? Feel free to change up the toppings as you see fit. I’ve included what I used below, but I didn’t bother putting specific amounts so just add as much as you’d like. The chocolate date sauce is not to be missed. Even if you just make one thing out of this recipe, make the chocolate sauce. It’s amazing on ice cream or just by the spoonful. I expect it would be great on top of brownies too. The banana split is inspired by Forks and Beans and the chocolate sauce is adapted from Southern In Law.

Yieldserves 2

Soak time30 minutes

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook time0 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

Ingredients:

for the chocolate date sauce (adapted from Southern In Law):

1 (15-oz) can full-fat coconut milk

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup tightly packed pitted Medjool dates (110 grams)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt or fine grain sea salt, to taste

for the banana split:

1 large Banana, sliced in half lengthwise

2 small scoops vegan ice cream (I used Coconut Bliss Cherry Amaretto)

Chocolate date sauce (recipe above)

Strawberry Chia Seed Jam (from The OSG cookbook)

Toasted sliced almonds

Non-dairy chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs

Coconut whipped cream (link below)

All-natural sprinkles

All-natural maraschino cherries or fresh pitted cherries

Ultimate Nutty Granola Clusters (from The OSG cookbook)

Directions:

For the chocolate date sauce:

Soak the pitted dates in a bowl of water for 30 minutes, or until super soft. Drain. You can probably skip this step if you have a Vitamix and are using soft dates to begin with (I did).

Add all the sauce ingredients into a high speed blender (including the entire can of coconut milk). Blend on high until super smooth. Adjust to taste, if desired. If it's not sweet enough you can always add more pitted dates.

Refrigerate until ready to use. It will firm up in the fridge a bit so you can melt it over low heat on the stove top if desired or just enjoy as is. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

For the banana split:

Prep all of your desired toppings in advance.

Place the sliced banana in a large oblong bowl (or simply any old bowl will do!).

Add a couple scoops of ice cream and a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Last but not least, thank you for your comments on this week’s baby news post and for making a special time even more exciting for us! I was especially happy to read that many of you are also expecting a baby this year (and some close to my own due date). Congrats to all the mama-to-be’s!

CONGRATULATIONS again Angela – what exciting news! I am not surprised – your book is a cut above and you truly do have the gift to both create delicious, nutritious foods and to inspire others to live a healthier life. I am just so happy for you with all the wonderfulness (sure that is a word!) you have going on in your life at this time :-).

This is a great recipe for the weekend – and I just made your creamy dreamy peppermint patties which were a HIT with my boyz (one of which would pick york peppermint patties if he were in a sea of every different kind of candy …and he is a nut fearing kid so I love to sneak in nuts when he has no idea ;-)

I am reading this while eat some Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal (and last night we had Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese). You da best! Sincere congratulations on your best selling book …I was waiting for this announcement to appear on the blog as I knew it would be a huge success! ;)

Wow Angela!!! This is such an amazing news! So happy for you, you definitely deserve to be on the NYT Bestseller list! Your book is amazing, love all the recipes I tried so far :)
And this recipe for a vegan banana split is definitely a great one to celebrate this news (and the baby news!). Looks so yummy! I love the idea of a chocolate date sauce! I will have to try it :)

OMG ANGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such awesome news. What a year this is turning out to be for you so far!! :) I’m so so proud of you and even I am feeling teary-happy for you!! Congrats! :) xo

Wow, what an accomplishment indeed! But also well deserved!! I’ve been cooking daily from the OSG cookbook and continue to get rave reviews from the family. I’ve got a couple books on my gift list to give to some friends this month. It’s going to blow their minds!!!

When I was pregnant for my first my husband definitely had “cravings” right along with me. He accidentally gained about 20 pounds during my pregnancy! Whoops. He lost the weight and didn’t make the same mistake during my second pregnancy. :)

Congratulations on that amazing and exciting news! Your brilliance in recipe-creation, photography, and writing is absolutely deserving of that honor! And this banana split… don’t even get me started. I think I just drooled on my keyboard.

Congratulations! I actually just bought your book yesterday. I am pretty sure Starbucks (at least in west end Toronto) carries the Sundsy Times, if not there than Chapters or International press. Great news and congrats on the baby as well. xo

Well, I certainly cannot say that I am surprised. As I was going on Amazon to send a copy to my sister (within the first week of the release) you were already flagged as a best seller…..”WELL OF COURSE, SHE IS THE BEST” was what I told my computer at the time! With what you have done for others, with your passion, you deserve every bit of all of this great news that keeps coming to you! Congratulations, you really are beyond amazing!

“and believing that vegan recipes are something to be excited about!”
Yes! I think this why your cookbook is on the bestseller list. You’re spreading the light & love of good, compassionate, healthy food in such a beautiful way. I’m so happy for you.

Now, please, please tell me (or maybe you have in another post?), have you had much fatigue or morning sickness? I’ve marveled at how much you’ve been able to do & accomplish in your first trimester. I’ve said this before, but I’m a junk-food eating slug my first trimester & there’s nothing I can do about–I’ve done it 5 times, & every time I have this hope that “this time it will be different” but it never is.

Also, you are positively glowing in those pregnancy pics you shared earlier (no pun intended). Congrats on making the NYT best seller list. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.

Thank you Janae, you are too kind my dear!
I had a rough first trimester in terms of extreme fatigue and all-day nausea. Those were my biggest complaints and I’m still struggling with it right now, but a bit less severe. Some days I could barely peel myself off the couch. I’m so happy the first tri is over though! I’ll be writing about my experience in an upcoming post.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
NYT best seller list? That’s amazing. This sounds silly since I don’t actually know you, but in all seriousness, you’re absolutely remarkable and deserve every bit of success coming your way. You just seem so humble about everything, and apart from having many of the most delicious recipes I’ve tried, your passion and compassion shine through on your blog daily. Major hats off to you, and all of your readers celebrate your success with you!
I think the contagious pregnancy cravings are totally legit, because while I have also been craving salty/savory things, my husband has had wackier cravings than me. I’m pretty sure he’s also nesting. ;-)
Anyway, this banana split looks to DIE for, and I’m seriously questioning if I ever need dairy again.

Having just discovered your blog I am a bit late to your party but WELL DONE YOU. That must be an amazing feeling and it’s hard work keeping a blog together as well as everything else (I KNOW) so congratulations. I loved reading about your reaction. And this banana split looks delicious. How is it possible to make a medjool date anything without eating them first?
{*}

Congrats! I am not surprised to hear about the news since yesterday my boss came up to me and said “Jen! I found this great new cookbook that is totally up your alley! I made this green monster…” I knew right away she picked up your book. XD I can safely say I adore your site and I love how great each recipe is. There are so many blogs where I made a recipe with disappointing results. Never here.

Congrats, Angela! That is amazing! I just wanted to say that you have been so inspiring to me over the past few months. I am currently in treatment for EDNOS and was looking for a healthier way to eat. My doctor wants me to eat more healthy fats several times a day but had no clue how to do it. I had gone so low fat that I lost about 1/2 of my hair! I’ve been making your recipes and they have been helping so much – I made your dreamsicle smoothie just this morning with extra avocado and it was so good! Thank you for putting your story out there and for inspiring me and so many others. Thank you also for providing recipes that are healthy and not restrictive like so many other bloggers. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Hi Angela & Ali: I’ve been reading this blog in silence for a few months. I’ve been planning at some point to write a message/comment with a proper introduction (so you have some clue of who i am!) but feel moved to add 3 simple comments now:

For Angela:
1. Congratulations! (on everything – from book to baby to banana splits!)

2. Thank you for everything you write/say/do. Your words, story, and recipes are a growing (and much needed) source of positivity, inspiration and creative spirit. I’m excited to open the amazon box that just came today. :-) <3

You are truly an inspiration, and I couldn’t be happier to see so many wonderful and DESERVED moments gracing your life right now. Congratulations a million times over and be so proud of yourself…you deserve every inch of this! xx

Congrats on your pregnancy and your lovely book making the NYT best seller list (makes me smile that I have contributed just a little, your book is on our coffee table in the living room shinning, or should I say glowing)……anyways, little unrelated I have came across your blog short while ago as a fellow Canadian (Vancouver) started to read new and old posts and found your recipe for a whole grain carrot cake, made it twice already this week (we are not vegans, but like to eat healthy), mu husband calls it a masterpiece and gave it 15 out of 10!!!! that never, repeat never happened before, he is actually stealing pieces in the evening and hiding them to go with his morning coffee from my 22+year old son, we all love it, looks like I will have to bake it 3rd time on the weekend…….see what you did to me?!all this extra baking……..Huge thanks for feeding us, inspiring us, keep it coming girl, xo……to all the other readers – GO NOW, look for the recipe and bake it……cheers, Sonja

Congratulations regarding both the book AND your pregnancy! Your inspiring yet simple recipes, along with the gorgeous photos inspire EVEN ME to get cooking. I have yet to try one that I or my non-vegan boyfriend didn’t devour!

You are amazing Angela, you have accomplished so much and you deserve all the praise in the world! You’ve started quite a cult following at UVIC here in Victoria as well. I mentioned your blog to a couple class mates and now we text each other sharing the various recipes you’ve tried. You’ve made my masters degree bearable and exciting! No more starving student :)

Those vegan banana splits made my heart race when I saw them on Fork and Beans last week! Lucky you got around to making them before me…I gotta get to work so that I can have a vegan banana split too!!

Angela, this genuinely renews my faith that every once in a while, good things happen to people who truly deserve it. You are a bright little light in the world, and I am so happy to see that light reflected back on you!

Bought your book last night, not even vegan!! I have been following your blog for years and have made A LOT of your recipes, not one of them was a fail. Not even once. Not a massive fan of buckwheat porridge but that’s personal preference, haha. What I love about vegans is the conscious effort to cram as many healthy things into something as possible. This is what keeps me coming back!

Congrats Angela!! I have been a huge fan of your blog and can’t wait to get your cookbook! Congrats too on the baby news! How exiting! I have been especially blessed by your blog this past year as I have been battling thyroid cancer. I am a young mom in my late 20s. I have had many challenges this year with my cancer but your blog had been such a fun distraction and outlet for me. Cooking and baking is my stress relief and I’m a big believer of vegan eating. I have told so many about your blog! Anyways thanks again for sharing such wonderful and healthy recipes with all of us and congrats again on the baby and cookbook!!!

Congratulations, that is a great achievement! I must have missed some posts (or I just end up drooling over your pics that I don’t read them all through) – but I’ve missed on the news that you are expecting. Even bigger congrats on that! <3

Congratulations! I know it’s not near as big a deal, but did you know your book is listed as #2 on the Top 50 books at Chapters-Indigo? (huge book retailer in Canada) I just ordered a copy each for myself and my daughter. I also have a veggie niece so I’m going to send her the link too. chapters.indigo.ca/books/top-50-books/

Well-deserved!! WOW!! I am proud to say I am the owner of your fabulous cookbook!

Question unrelated to today’s post —- Superseeds. I ordered a 10lbs of chia seeds from them back in early February, based on your recommendation of them and after price checking Bulk Barn prices vs theirs (I live in NS). Unfortunately, no chia seeds yet. I’ve emailed them 3x and called countless times and left messages… nothing. I’m starting to think they’re a scam! Have you ordered from them recently? If you don’t mind emailing me back to let me know what yor experience with them was like, I would appreciate it greatly. If you haven’t ordered from them recently, you might want to consider taking them off your blog recommendations…. Thanks Angela!

I am glad to hear since you are truly deserving of this accomplishment. My son is five and he even knows your blog because I am on it daily kooking for my next meal. It is your blog that kickstarted my journey once again and this time I know I will be successful because your recipes are great. Thank you for all you do!

I was expecting you to land on the bestseller list – well deserved! And what makes it even better is the beginning of this story – how you took the leap of faith, left a job that wasn’t right for you, and you WENT FOR IT!!!!! Boy, has that ever paid off. I LOVE your recipes, but how you changed your life is even more awesome – in fact, it brings tears to my eyes and it inspires me on my own journey. So happy for you!!!!!

Congrats Angela! You are absolutely amazing and if anyone deserves to be on the list it’s you and your book! I have my own book coming out later this year, so I know how much a a HUGE dream this is for authors and writers. I am so happy that your dreams are turning into realities :)

I’ve been following your blog about 6 months now, I feel like you’re my friend, I’ve caught myself wanting to spread the wonderful news of your book success and pregnancy to my real life friends. I am loving every single recipe we have tried so far (20 at latest count) there are a few which we have made several times already. One of our favorites is the Classic Glo Bar. I’ve made them at least 4-5 times but today something thing didn’t go just right and they wouldn’t stick together. No worries, in a bowl with some freshly made Almond Milk saved the day. My kids would like me to goof up again.

Hi Kelli,
Thank you for your lovely words! You are so sweet. I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying so many recipes so far! Not sure what happened with the Glo Bars either…I’ve never had them not hold together when following the recipe. Glad you were able to turn it into a breakfast cereal though (genius!)..I would love to try that! I bet the crumbles would be amazing toasted in the oven too like granola :)

Wow, that is amazing! What an accomplishment, but I’m not surprised at all. I just love your cookbook sooo much! Also,congratulations on your pregnancy! Oh, and this banana split looks heavenly, by the way. :)

Hi Angela, congrats on making the list!! And thanks so much for inspiring us with your super delicious recipes – I am def. going to try this banana split this week!. Your cookbook is on my wishlisht for my birthday.. I’m secretly hoping you’ll be posting some tips for eating healthy (vegan) through a pregnancy with do’s and don’ts or something like that :) A lot of people seem to think that that is not possible, which is so not the case! You make a great example that a healthy vegan lifestyle can be carried on through a pregnancy!

Even though I don’t personally know you, I’ve come to know you thru your post ! I’m so happy for the success you are having… at the end it’s your hard work what really has gotten you there!.. All the best! ;)

Congrats, Angela! Both on the baby and on the book, you deserve it!
I just got my own copy of the Oh She Glows cookbook! I haven’t had time to read it through, but I’m loving it!!! Your recipes are amazing, and the photos… WOW! Just makes me want to cook everything in the book!!! Wish you the best!

Congratulations Angela! You definitely deserve every success you have! You inspired be so much, I even started a blog after seeing yours!
Congrats again – i’m glad you’re celebrating with a big vegan banana split!
Anisa – The Macadame. xx
creamstop.com

Congratulations on making the NYT bestseller list. I literally got chills reading your blog. Wonderful to receive the recognition for your hard work and creativity and for being the inspiration to others that you’ve been for me.

Congrats!! You deserve it more than anyone else! I finally received your book a week ago (takes a long time to ship to Denmark), and I’ve been making so many of your recipes already! They are absolutely delicious. My roomie and I have just been munching on cake, granola and eaten tons of tomato soup. She loves your book too, and we really enjoy cooking your recipes together at night. So much more fun than studying ;) And what we also love about your cook book is that we already have many of the ingredients in our kitchen, and even two students like us can afford to make all the food (and buy it!). Oh, and even my parents liked your tomato soup (and they usually just hate vegan food, though I think it’s just in their minds they hate it, I mean how can you hate it?!), so thank you so much for making them eat just one vegan meal! I almost cried because I was so proud of them (and you for creating the recipe – convincing my parents is a really good job!).

And the banana split looks sooooo good! I’ll make it next week to my roomie and me. It’s the perfect excuse to a break from my exams. I see banana split and a movie night ahead, and absolutely no homework!

On a completely different note. Do you know if regular cocoa powder is vegan? I usually buy carob powder but I don’t love it in baked goods. What do you usually use if you don’t use carob powder? Raw cocoa is really expensive in Denmark, so if there’s an alternative that a bit more affordable that would be amazing!

And congrats on being pregnant. I am so happy for you and Eric (and Sketchie), and you look so happy and beautiful in the pictures. You always put a smile on my face. Oh, and should you ever need a nanny (or someone to entertain Sketchie when the little new comes) just say the word and I’ll fly to Canada! I love children, animals and Canada so it would be perfect. And an excuse to travel to your very beautiful country (you are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country!).

Sorry for the long (and weird) comment. Perhaps I got a bit carried away. Anyways, have a wonderful weekend!

Angela,
Congratulations on your well deserved spot on the NY Times Best Seller List!! I am loving the new book and have already given it to 3 people! I want to share it with everyone ~ and, in fact, am telling my FB followers all about it as I post photos of meals created from your book! The flavors are amazing and the results are beautiful. You have made cooking fun again- at least for me!! I am a loyal follower of your blog, anxiously awaiting a new release :) This banana split one will be a delight and I can’t wait to make it!! Thanks again for your wonderful work and for making so many of us (and our families) happy.
In Appreciation,
Kathy

Congratulations Angela! I can’t say I’m surprised though ;) Although I’m sad I haven’t been able to afford to treat myself to the book yet (I had totally planned to pre-order, but that couldn’t happen), I’m so excited about being able to gift it to myself as soon as I have a little more disposable income, and you can bet I’ll be buying multiple copies for friends and family, so your sales aren’t going to drop anytime soon! This recipe looks fabulous, I’m such a sucker for banana split!

Congratulations on your book being a best seller! I absolutely love your cookbook, it has quickly become my favorite. I can tell you put so much thought and intent behind every recipe and picture. It is everything I would want out of a cookbook, and it inspires me to eat more healthily. It is beautifully put together and what I have made so far is delicious. :) Your book deserves to be a best seller!

So proud of you!, but I am not surprise, your book is beautiful and the recipes are awesome! I have already tried a few recipes, cannot wait to make the rest of them!! Congratulations you well deserve it!

Oh my goodness! I think I am definitely going to have to give this recipe a try in the immediate future. My Mom made your enchiladas yesterday and I think we were both in heaven. It was absolutely delicious! Congratulations on all your success and on the baby news. I hope more good things come your way. :)

You inspired me to make this yesterday as a food-companion for a programming lab I was working on, and let me just exclaim, THE CHOCOLATE SAUCE. You might as well have just made a post only about the chocolate sauce, because it is THAT GOOD. I am eating it with a spoon straight from the fridge the next day for breakfast. I truly think it is the closest vegan Nutella copycat I have ever tasted, and it doesn’t even use hazelnuts (which I’m allergic to anyways!!!!) And I’m positive it’s a lot healthier than Nutella, too. Wow, I just want to rave about this sauce to everyone, everywhere. THANK YOU!

Coconut Bliss is my FAVE brand of coconut milk ice-cream for sure. We buy it ever week (oops!). So, I foresee this b-split in my very near future (is it ok for me to have post-pregnancy cravings? Might be more justifiable than Eric’s haha)!!

Congratulations Angela, on both the baby and on making the New York Times list. That is awesome! I have never commented on a blog before, but I feel compelled to comment on yours. I’ve been reading for quite awhile now, and I love your recipes and your writing. You are an inspiration to vegans and non-vegans alike, and what I really love is that your recipes, as well as being delicious, always work exactly as described. My daughter just gifted me with your cookbook and I have already made 5 recipes from it, all wonderful ! I will be working my way through the book! And by the way, I am a senior who has been cooking for 60+ years, so that just proves that we can all be inspired by new and fresh and creative ideas! Keep on doing what you are doing, you deserve every bit of your success! (from a fellow Canadian!)

First off, Congratulations! I can’t wait to read the OSG cookbook! Currently sitting in my study abroad classroom–bored–I am now seriously craving this banana split. I will have to wait until i return to the states in 5 weeks, but this will definitely be one of my first indulgences!

I’ll wholeheartedly affirm spousal pregnancy cravings. I had to step up my workouts when my wife became pregnant with #2. For our first baby, I timed an intense 90 day workout (P90X2) to end shortly before our due date. It was awesome being in the best shape of my life prior to those challenging first few months. It really helped me be on top of things while I took care of her, the baby, and the house.

Congrats on making the best sellers list! That is awesome, but not surprising….your recipes are amazing. Got my cookbook on Friday (3/28) and the copy I ordered my aunt for her birthday. It is fantastic, and I already made a few things from it. My fiance’ (who said, “Why did you buy a vegan cookbook, you’re not even vegan?”) was even drooling over the photo of the pudding cake I told him I was going to make. ;)

Congratulations! I’m new to your site and just made my first recipe from your cookbook – the Tex-Mex Casserole. That recipe alone was worth the price of the book! If any of the others even come close, yours will be my favorite cookbook. It’s so exciting to have all these fabulous recipes available. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to veganism and good heath!! Best wishes for a safe and easy pregnancy. Your little one will be eating well! ;-)

Something completely different: in the ingredientlist there’s vanilla extract. Please beware of the alc. content. During my first trimester I drank a lot of smoothing with vanilla extract in it. Only after weeks I thought about the alc. in the vanilla extract.

Congrats on the baby and the best seller list! I’m fairly new to your site, but it has been an inspiration to me already and is quickly becoming one of my favorites :) I have yet to purchase your book, but am looking forward to it in the near future.

Hi Angela! I absolutely love your recipes and your cookbook is a go-to for me, especially when my sweet-tooth is aching ;) I had an idea for a potentially simple but fun recipe post for you: a vegan and low-sugar ice cream float! You can use vanilla-bean coconut icecream and Zevia pop (they have a delicious Root Beer flavour!). I’m sure your creative mind could think of ways to spruce it up, too :) Maybe some coconut whipped cream on top?

I made a decision one week ago to become vegan. The research by T.Colin Campbell, PhD convinced me that this was the way to go. He did the China Study on plant-based eating with other researchers over a twenty year period. I was thrilled to see your book in the store today. The recipes and photos are amazing. I am so looking forward to eating vegan and following your book. Thak you for writing it. It makes vegan look really accessible All the very best to you and your family.